Geothermal Resource Assessment and Development Recommendations for the Huangliu Formation in the Central Depression of the Yinggehai Basin

Haiwen Chen, Feng Zheng, Rongcai Song (), Chao Zhang, Ben Dong, Jiahao Zhang, Yan Zhang and Tao Wu
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Haiwen Chen: College of Energy, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu 610059, China
Feng Zheng: College of Energy, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu 610059, China
Rongcai Song: College of Energy, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu 610059, China
Chao Zhang: College of Energy, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu 610059, China
Ben Dong: College of Energy, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu 610059, China
Jiahao Zhang: College of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu 610059, China
Yan Zhang: College of Energy, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu 610059, China
Tao Wu: College of Energy, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu 610059, China

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 16, 1-24

Abstract: As a renewable resource, geothermal energy plays an increasingly important role in global and regional energy structures. Influenced by regional tectonic activities, multi-stage thermal evolution, and continuous subsidence, the subsurface temperatures in the Yinggehai Basin has been consistently rising, resulting in the formation of multiple geothermal reservoirs. The Neogene Huangliu Formation, with its high geothermal gradients, suitable burial depths, considerable thickness, and wide distribution, provides excellent geological conditions for substantial geothermal resources. However, the thermal storage characteristics and geothermal resources of this formation have not been fully assessed, limiting their effective development. This study systematically collected and analyzed drilling, geological, and geophysical data to examine these reservoirs’ geometric structures, thermal properties, and physical characteristics. Further, we quantitatively evaluated the geothermal resource potential of the Huangliu Formation and its respective reservoirs through volumetric estimation and Monte Carlo simulations, pointing zones with high geothermal prospects and formulating targeted development strategies. The findings indicate: (1) The Yinggehai Basin exhibits an average geothermal gradient of 39.4 ± 4.7 °C/km and an average terrestrial heat flow of 77.4 ± 19.1 mW/m 2 , demonstrating a favorable geothermal background; (2) The central depression of the Huangliu Formation harbors considerable geothermal resource potential, with an average reservoir temperature of 140.9 °C, and a total geothermal resource quantified at approximately 2.75 × 10 20 J, equivalent to 93.95 × 10 8 tec. Monte Carlo projections estimate the maximum potential resource at about 3.10 × 10 20 J, approximately 105.9 ×10 8 tec. (3) Additionally, the R14 and R23 reservoirs have been identified as possessing the highest potential for geothermal resource development. The study also proposes a comprehensive utilization model that integrates offshore geothermal power generation with multiple applications. These findings provide a method for the evaluation of geothermal resources in the Yinggehai Basin and lay a foundation for the sustainable development of resources.

Keywords: geothermal potential; Monte Carlo simulation; thermal reservoir evaluation; geothermal comprehensive utilization; sustainable development (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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